11 Day Germany, Switzerland & Austria
Starting at $2,049
Destinations & Sightseeing
Itinerary and Meals
Accomodations
800.528.9300
Destination & Sightseeing
- Flights New York-Frankfurt, Munich-New York
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
- 9 nights accommodations
- 1 night Mainz or Darmstadt
- 1 night Heidelberg or Mannheim
- 2 nights Lucerne
- 2 nights Innsbruck
- 1 night Salzburg
- 2 nights Munich
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Hotel porterage
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
- 14 meals: 9 breakfasts, 5 dinners with wine
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Services of local guides per itinerary
- Entrance fees per itinerary
Special Features
- Enjoy a Rhine River Cruise, view hilltop castles, terraced vineyards and villages of timber-framed houses
- Marvel at the thunderous Rhine Falls, one of Europe’s largest and most powerful
- View the Golden Roof, in the heart of historic Innsbruck
- Visit Bavaria's "Mad" King Ludwig's fantasy castle of Neuschwanstein, a symbol of idealized romance
- In sparkling Lucerne, in the heart of the Swiss Alps, visit the inspiring Lion Monument
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
ITINERARY
DAY 1, Sunday - Depart for Germany
Depart for Frankfurt, Germany
DAY 2, Monday - Arrive in Frankfurt
Arrive in Frankfurt and transfer to your hotel in nearby Mainz or Darmstadt. The remainder of the day is on your own to rest and relax. In the evening at approximately 6 pm, an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager introduces you to the delightful program that lies ahead, followed by a Welcome Drink and Dinner with your fellow travelers. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 4 pm on Day 2 of the itinerary, or earlier if possible
Overnight: Mainz or Darmstadt
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Tuesday - Rhine River Cruise & Heidelberg City Tour
The morning begins with a cruise on the scenic Rhine. See stunning vistas of hilltop castles, terraced vineyards and villages of timber-framed houses along the course of the river. Pass the mighty Lorelei rock rising vertically from the waters named for the siren "Lorelei" who bewitched sailors passing by. In Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in Germany, view the imposing red sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle originally built in the 12th century. This hilltop Gothic masterpiece has encountered turbulent times but still stands as a dominant symbol of the city. Balance of the day is at leisure in Heidelberg to discover the enchanting alleys and lanes in the Old Town with its small gardens, museums and lovely galleries
Overnight: Heidelberg
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Wednesday - Black Forest
Head south on a scenic drive through the Black Forest region, an area of unrivaled natural beauty with its dense forests of thick pine trees. Nestled in the forest, you will see some of the charming traditional homes with their long sloping roofs. Continue on a drive to Schaffhausen, surrounded by vineyards. Here, you will see the thunderous Rhine Waterfalls; one of Europe's largest and most powerful. Then, on to beautiful Lucerne, with its pristine lakeside setting and gorgeous mountainous panorama. Spend two relaxing nights here in the center of the Swiss Alps
Overnight: Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5, Thursday - Full Day in Lucerne
A full day to explore the heart of central Switzerland. Begin the day at the inspiring Lion Monument, one of the best-known monuments in the country, created in remembrance of the heroic death of Swiss guard killed in 1792. Continue to the 14th century medieval Chapel Bridge one of the oldest covered wooden bridges in Europe, forming the centerpiece of Lucerne's townscape. Later, time to shop for chocolate, watches and the famous Swiss and German cuckoo clocks or sip coffee at an outdoor cafe. Afterwards, there is an opportunity to join the exciting optional tour to Mount Pilatus. Ascend the world's steepest cogwheel railway which winds up through lush meadows and sparkling mountain streams to the summit of Mt. Pilatus at nearly 7000 feet. After admiring the splendid panorama, descend by aerial cableway. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure with time to shop for chocolate, watches and the famous Swiss and German cuckoo clocks or sip coffee at an outdoor cafe.
Optional: Mount Pilatus Tour (AM)
Overnight: Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Friday - Neuschwanstein Castle
This morning drive through glorious Alpine scenery to visit Bavaria's "Mad" King Ludwig's fantasy castle of Neuschwanstein perched high above the valley below. This is one of the most visited castles in Germany and a symbol of idealized romantic architecture. Among the castle's finest rooms are two magnificent halls with extravagant decorations dazzling in gold and blue. Cross into Austria via the mighty Fern Pass and journey to Innsbruck, the Tyrolean "capital" of the Austrian Alps
Overnight: Innsbruck
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7, Saturday - Full Day in Innsbruck
Steeped in centuries of colorful history, Innsbruck features fine examples of Imperial splendor. Journey back in time with an array of splendid architectural gems from the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical period. On your orientation tour, stop at the Golden Roof, overlooking a bustling square in the heart of historic Innsbruck and the St. James Cathedral, a spectacular example of Baroque architecture. Innsbruck has also hosted two Olympic Winter Games (1964 and 1976). See the famous ski jump used in the winter Olympics. Join the afternoon optional tour to charming Seefeld with Carriage Ride. Tonight, experience an authentic Tyrolean evening on the optional tour featuring a varied entertainment program including folk music, Tyrolean dances and yodeling
Optional: Seefeld with Carriage Ride (PM)
Optional: Tyrolean Evening with drinks
Overnight: Innsbruck
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8, Sunday - Salzburg City Tour
After breakfast, travel to Salzburg. This baroque jewel was the birthplace of Mozart. The guided walking tour takes you to view the house where Mozart was born, as well as to the squares and gardens of this beautiful city, crowned by the 11th century Hohensalzburg Fortress. The city is also known for the singing von Trapp family and the setting for the film, The Sound of Music. More time to explore charming Salzburg, or participate in the optional excursion into the surrounding countryside to the ruins of Obersalzberg, once a mountain retreat for senior Nazi SS officers. Then, transfer to special motor coaches adapted for the scenic mountain climb and ascend to Hitler's notorious "Eagle's Nest."*
*Austrian Alps & Sound of Music Tour is offered when Eagle’s Nest Tour is not available during April, May, and November
Optional: Eagle's Nest Tour (PM)
Optional: Austrian Alps & Sound of Music Tour
Overnight: Salzburg
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9, Monday - Explore Munich
This morning, continue to Munich. Arrive at Marienplatz square, cultural center of the city, dominated by the gothic New Town Hall housing Munich's world-famous Glockenspiel, which dates back to 1908. This colorful mechanical clock has life-size figures that dance to music with shows several times a day. In the afternoon, a guided city tour takes you past the Olympic Stadium situated in the heart of Olympia Park in northern Munich built as the main venue for the 1972 Summer Olympics. Then, visit the stunning Nymphenburg Palace with its gorgeous baroque facade, once summer residence of Bavarian rulers. Driving through the city, you see countless museums, galleries, palaces and impressive historic monuments. A free evening perhaps to visit one of the famous beer halls!
Overnight: Munich
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10, Tuesday - Full Day in Munich
A full day to enjoy Munich with its plethora of shops and restaurants and to explore at leisure. Perhaps, venture to the mountains on the optional tour to visit Linderhof Palace. Tonight, toast your final night in Munich with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant
Optional: Linderhof Palace Tour (AM)
Overnight: Munich
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11, Wednesday - Depart Germany
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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